What to buy for people who have everything?

We probably all have one of these people on our list: Either they’re impossible to shop for, or they already have everything they want and need. We want to give, after all, this is the season of giving, but honestly, what do you give someone who already has it all?

Here’s an easy solution that will instantly remove all of your gift-giving stress: How about making a donation in their name to a cause that’s close to their heart? Pair it with a nice card and a great bar of chocolate or other delicious treat and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful and memorable gift, and as a bonus, you’ll be helping others in the process.

Here are a few ideas of Ottawa-area organizations that might appeal to you and that hard-to-buy-for gift recipient in your life:

The Snowsuit Fund

How about giving the gift of warm clothing to those who need it the most? The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of snowsuits for needy children age 15 and under. Many of them are new immigrants and have never experienced an Ottawa winter. (!) Here’s something to think about, The Snowsuit Fund distributed over 16,000 new snowsuits in the 2017/2018 season. There is definitely a need! See how you can give the gift of warmth this winter at snowsuitfund.com.

Caring and Sharing Exchange

Imagine being able to give a family a Christmas dinner who may not have one this year? The Caring and Sharing Christmas hamper program seems to fly under the radar every year, but to me it’s one of the most important in Ottawa. You can sign up to buy, pack, and deliver your own hamper (you get a shopping list and clear instructions) or you can make a donation directly to the organization. Caring and Sharing Exchange helps thousands of people in Ottawa and does not receive any government funding.

Wild Bird Care Centre

Got a nature nut in your life? Consider making a donation to the Ottawa Wild Bird Care Centre. This small but mighty organization is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wild birds and they do it with kindness, passion, and good humour. And they need help! They’re the only wild bird rehabilitation centre in the Ottawa area and thousands of birds are admitted every year. Take a look at the Wild Bird Care Center website for information about bird sponsorship.

Chrysalis House

If you attended terra20’s Friends & Family Day back in November, you already know about the fundraiser that was in place for Chrysalis House, which offers secure shelter for women here in Ottawa. $600 was raised that day, which will go towards a variety of services available to women and their dependants who experienced violence in the home.

If you’re not exactly sure where you’d like your donation to be directed but know you’d like it to help those in need right here in Ottawa, consider giving to United Way. They fund a variety of diverse programs that help vulnerable people right across our fair city. Take a browse through their website right here and see how you can make a difference in our community.